Last Saturday we packed the fam into the car and drove an hour out of the city to go to Aberfoyle Antique Market. It’s open every weekend May to October, but twice a year vintage stores from all over Southern Ontario meet at Aberfoyle to make for one massive market and it’s awesome. Everything in excess! Looking for a cool statement necklace? Good luck leaving with just one ;) Records, hats, pocket knives, jewels, blankets, coat hooks, vintage cameras, you name it – you will find it. My four year old loves looking through all the vintage jewellery and toy cars and ended up coming home this time with a jar of old marbles which she now carries everywhere with her.
There are great vintage markets in the city too including the Junction Flea where I always leave with something cool. Last time I picked up an old classic HBC striped sweater and a pretty fabulous 70s dress.
New to the vintage hunt? Keep in mind that you will need to negotiate prices. Items are usually marked but are often priced higher in anticipation of people bargaining. If you just want to pay a fair price without being too aggressive, lead with something like “what’s the best price you can offer me for this?” or “how much can you let this go for?” It will get easier after you’ve done it a few times. Also note that some things are easier to buy vintage than others. Housewares and jewellery are easy to wipe down and look fresh again but sweaters and blankets can sometimes have a musty or mothy smell to them that are hard to get out. If you do fall in love with something that smells like mothballs, sunlight is the best to get it out. Just leave it out in direct sunlight for as long as it takes – works like a charm :)
Happy Hunting! It’s so fun and you know you’ll be leaving with something one of a kind. The last photo is my favourite find from Saturday. Found this beauty at the market and brought it home for twenty dollars! I sure do love a bargain ♡
http://aberfoyleantiquemarket.com
http://junctionflea.com
